Java Love

Let’s face it, where you buy that daily half-caff, low-fat, add-shot, extra-dry cappuccino is about more than caffeine. You want a jolt? Then get a Red Bull. But for vibe, character and a unique crowd of fellow caffeinators, try one these coffee spots.

54 Taste of Rome Once the Sausalito branch of San Francisco’s Caffe Trieste, this renamed coffee-bar restaurant provides the ultimate hang with rich espressos, a full menu and an entertaining mélange of boho locals and wide-eyed tourists. taste-of-rome.com

55 La Coppa / Peet’s Within foam-tossing distance of each other, these are the yin and yang of Mill Valley coffee. La Coppa’s got the outdoor patio-ette; Peet’s has its clubby front corner. Both have diehard fans, a twain that never meets. peets.com; lacoppacoffee.com

56 Royal Ground While much of Fourth Street in San Rafael feels 1950s retro, this comfy space will transport you all the way to the ’90s. Bring a book (or Kindle). 415.455.0107